Downtown Attractions in Idaho
As the capital city, Boise is the center of commerce, law, and tourism in Idaho. It's also got the largest airport, so chances are, you'll probably arrive in Idaho via Boise. It's a compact city, and a historical one. Many of the original structures from the 1860s and '70s still stand and are in use. Downtown is still downtown.
Boise started out as a military fort along the Boise River in the 1860s, and soon miners, merchants, bankers, builders, and others came to live here. The Oregon Trail passes right through Boise. The river is the center of the city, dividing downtown from the southern part of town.
If you only have limited time, stick to downtown. Most of the major attractions are within a short of one another, so it's easy to take in the whole downtown in a short time period. Plus, it's the hub where everything happens.
Start with the Idaho Capitol. Here you'll learn the history of the state, some of the great people who have been leaders here, and a sense of who we are. Then try out the Boise Walking Tours for an overview of everything the city has to offer.Next, learn about some of the different ethnic groups that came here at the Basque Cultural Center and Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Idaho State Historical Museum.
Since most of the museums are all located in Julia Davis Park, stay close and check out the Boise Art Museum. It may be smaller than most metropolitan art museums, but it often has headline artists' work on display.
On the opposite side of Capital Boulevard you'll want to see the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a lovely little outdoor area devoted to Anne Frank and others who have fought for human rights. Next to that is The Cabin, Boise's literary center. If you like books, writers, or other literary pursuits, it's a good place to wander into. It's an actual historic cabin from the 1800s.
Head back to Julia Davis Park to Zoo Boise, where you'll see a wide array of animals, from a Kimono dragon, to Siberian tigers, penguins, butterflies, and African lions and zebras.
If you happen to be in Boise on a Saturday, you'll likely run into the Capital City Public Market. This is a great place to spend some time. You'll find great deals on farmer fresh produce, homemade donuts and crepes, handcrafted items for souvenirs, lots of locals to watch, and a generally happy and hospitable atmosphere.
Boise started out as a military fort along the Boise River in the 1860s, and soon miners, merchants, bankers, builders, and others came to live here. The Oregon Trail passes right through Boise. The river is the center of the city, dividing downtown from the southern part of town.
If you only have limited time, stick to downtown. Most of the major attractions are within a short of one another, so it's easy to take in the whole downtown in a short time period. Plus, it's the hub where everything happens.
Start with the Idaho Capitol. Here you'll learn the history of the state, some of the great people who have been leaders here, and a sense of who we are. Then try out the Boise Walking Tours for an overview of everything the city has to offer.Next, learn about some of the different ethnic groups that came here at the Basque Cultural Center and Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Idaho State Historical Museum.
Since most of the museums are all located in Julia Davis Park, stay close and check out the Boise Art Museum. It may be smaller than most metropolitan art museums, but it often has headline artists' work on display.
On the opposite side of Capital Boulevard you'll want to see the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a lovely little outdoor area devoted to Anne Frank and others who have fought for human rights. Next to that is The Cabin, Boise's literary center. If you like books, writers, or other literary pursuits, it's a good place to wander into. It's an actual historic cabin from the 1800s.
Head back to Julia Davis Park to Zoo Boise, where you'll see a wide array of animals, from a Kimono dragon, to Siberian tigers, penguins, butterflies, and African lions and zebras.
If you happen to be in Boise on a Saturday, you'll likely run into the Capital City Public Market. This is a great place to spend some time. You'll find great deals on farmer fresh produce, homemade donuts and crepes, handcrafted items for souvenirs, lots of locals to watch, and a generally happy and hospitable atmosphere.
Idaho Black History Museum
508 Julia Davis Drive
(Julia Davis Park)
Celebrating Idaho's African-American Culture...
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